Outline of Dominica island with gradient color

Dominica

CETI's research takes place in the Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, also known as The Nature Island.

Aerial photo of Dominica island

About our focus
on Dominica

A core part of CETI’s mission is for new research and knowledge about the sperm whales to bring more attention to the Dominican-led marine industry and support Dominica’s conservation leadership in the Caribbean.

All research and findings by CETI in Dominica will be open-source and will be available for Dominican-led research and initiatives.

OUR PARTNERS IN DOMINICA
  • Black in Marine Science
  • Dominica National Youth Council
  • Dominica State College and Dominica’s Ministry of Education
  • National Geographic
  • Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy
Aquatic robot interacting with fish
Tools of the Trade

That Make the Work Possible

A mix of research vessels, boats, and other equipment are critical to our success. When we’ve completed our work, all equipment will be donated to CETI’s local entity at the completion of the project for continued use by Dominican researchers.

OUR FLEET
CETI 1
SAILING RESEARCH VESSEL
OUR FLEET
CETI 2
Rigid inflatable boat
OUR FLEET
CETI 3
Locally made boat
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CETI buoy with yellow trim floating on water
CETI-1 sailing vessel out on the ocean with team
Sperm whale diving toward bottom left

Marine Conservation Fellowship

CETI’s capacity-building initiative, Dominica Marine Conservation Fellowship, is a 10-month, multi module training program for young Dominicans interested in marine science. The program’s curriculum (co-created with National Geographic) includes sessions on marine science, scientific research/techniques, water and vessel skills and storytelling and leadership among other topics.

CETI fellows participate directly in CETI’s research, have the opportunity to engage in a variety of programming and mentorship opportunities and receive diving certification. Fellows also engage with local schools and organizations and complete a final project as part of the program. After they graduate from the program, fellows remain involved as mentors, session facilitators and community leaders.

Objectives
1
Ensure local access and inclusion in CETI's research
2
Support and elevate local conservation efforts
3
Support increased monitoring and understanding of Sperm Whales and the ocean
Fellows Khade, Whitney, and Omari standing in front of tropical foliage

Leadership

Instill confidence into emerging local leaders to allow them to speak with authority about their natural heritage marine conservation.

  • Intrapersonal development
  • Goal setting & mentorship
  • Public speaking
  • Team-building
  • Stress and time management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Leadership styles
  • Giving/receiving feedback
Khade and Whitney on boat

Science

Build capacity and increase local whale monitoring efforts by sharing research techniques that can be utilized to monitor and manage marine species.

  • Participation in CETI’s at-sea research and on-site robotics laboratory
  • Data collection and management
  • Analysis of whale populations, monitoring, assessment and reporting as a team
  • Photo-Identification of individual animals
  • Conservation theory and ocean policy
  • Included in scientific publications
David Gruber standing with group of fellows

Outreach

Empower storytellers with the tools necessary to advocate for marine life, at both the community and government levels.

  • Cultivation of storytelling skills through National Geographic educational content
  • Exposure to blue economy jobs, local fisheries, ecotourism
  • Contributions to gov’t initiatives, NGO work
  • Participant-led projects in their communities (e.g. schools)
  • Use of video, web, social platforms to amplify participants’ projects
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Our Approach

Featured Fellows

2025 - 2026 Fellow

Amanda Stoute

My name is Amanda Stoute, and I’m a 19-year-old from the fishing village of San Sauveur but I grew up in Tarreau on Dominica’s west coast. My earliest memories are of watching my father prepare his boat before heading out to sea. Growing up around fishermen, the ocean wasn’t just scenery — it was part of our daily life, our stories, our meals, and our identity. That connection shaped me, and it’s where my love for the ocean truly began. I am currently studying Pre-Health at the Dominica State College because I hope to become a nurse one day. Caring for people has always felt natural to me. But caring for the ocean feels just as important, because our communities depend on it. To me, marine conservation isn’t something only scientists do — it’s something we all have a responsibility to be part of. Joining the CETI Marine Conservation Fellowship is my way of giving back to the place that raised me. I want to learn more about the ocean I grew up beside, support sustainable practices that protect our marine life, and encourage other young people to appreciate and care for the environment around them. The sea has always taken care of my community. Now, I want to help take care of it.

The sea raised me; now I rise for the sea.
2025 - 2026 Fellow

Rohan Luckie

Hello! I am Rohan Luckie. My love for the ocean has always been evident in my life. Growing up by the seaside, the sea and rivers have always been more than just a place to work or relax. This love inspired me to place my efforts into preserving the health of our marine environments. I hold an Associate's degree in Geography, where I studied topics like coastal ecosystems and so much more. I look forward to partnering with fellow ocean advocates on projects that support the health and sustainability of our marine environments.

I am excited to learn how to sail and improve my seamanship skills, plus earn my diving certification to deepen my passion for ocean protection.
2025 - 2026 Fellow

Dianka George

My name is Dianka George. I am an 18 year old fellow currently participating in the Project CETI fellowship, now in my third month. My journey with CETI has been incredibly enriching, allowing me to combine my passion for the ocean with hands-on experiences in marine research. I am actively learning to dive, which has opened new perspectives on underwater ecosystems and the importance of ocean conservation.Throughout my fellowship, I have engaged in outreach programs such as the Eco-Fit Youth Program, where I worked with students to raise awareness about marine life and environmental stewardship. I’ve also had the opportunity to sail with the other fellows, gaining practical skills in navigation and teamwork.One of the most unforgettable experiences was going out on the research boat with the CETI team, where I observed whales communicating with each other truly an awe-inspiring reminder of the complexity and beauty of marine life. Balancing my studies in accounting and computer science, I have always been drawn to the ocean since childhood, and this fellowship has strengthened my commitment to understanding and protecting it.

CETI to me is more than research, it’s about inspiring a new generation to love, protect, and explore our oceans and environment.
2024-2025 FELLOW

Antonio Guye

I am happy to be a fellow of Project CETI, where my interest for research and marine conservation complements the organization's objective. It also aligns with my career choice of being a marine biologist, and I look forward to my Advanced SCUBA certification as its a step forward to my goal. I love the sea and so I'm excited to be working with the team on projects to protect and preserve our sea and ocean. I’m eager to experience the fellowship that’ll help me to better understand marine ecosystems and contribute to relevant conservation initiatives.

I love the sea and so I'm excited to be working with the team on projects to protect and preserve our sea and ocean.
2024-2025 FELLOW

Phoenix Jacques

My name is Phoenix Jacques, and I am a passionate technology enthusiast from Dominica with a strong foundation in computer science and robotics. I hold an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Dominica State College, where I had the privilege of working with diverse teams and exploring fields like data analysis, graphic design, and social media management. Beyond academics, I've actively participated in robotics competitions, served as a leader in various student clubs, and developed a love for collaborative projects. Driven by curiosity and a desire to innovate, I look forward to creating impactful, efficient systems that make technology accessible and beneficial for everyone.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to innovate, I look forward to creating impactful, efficient systems that make technology accessible and beneficial for everyone.
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Listen to the Whales!

We’ll keep you up-to-date on the latest breakthroughs and progress.

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